Publication 89
Area selection for diamond exploration using deep-probing electromagnetic surveying
A.G. Jones and J.A. Craven
Abstract
Previously proposed methods of area selection for diamond-prospective regions have predominantly relied on till geochemistry,
airborne geophysics, and/or an appraisal of tectonic setting. Herein we suggest that a novel deep-probing geophysical
technique - electromagnetic studies using the natural-source magnetotelluric (MT) method - can contribute to such an activity.
Essentially, diamondiferous regions must have (1) old lithosphere, (2) thick lithosphere, and (3) lithosphere that contains
high concentrations of carbon. Deep-probing MT studies are able to address all three of these.
The second and the third of these can be done virtually independently by MT, but for the first the geometries produced
from modelling the MT observations must be interpreted with appropriate interaction with geologists,
geochemists and other geophysicists. Examples are given from the Slave and Superior cratons in North America, with speculations
about possible diamondiferous regions.
Source
Lithos, 77, 765-782.
MTNet Home Page
Alan's Home Page
Alan G Jones / 16 September 2004 /
alan-at-cp.dias.ie